How to Make a Saturated Solution of Sodium Bicarbonate

Contributing WriterUpdated March 23, 2017

Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, is a white inorganic salt commonly known as baking soda. The saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate may be used as a cleaning agent or to neutralise acid solutions. The saturated solution contains the maximum amount of the salt that can be dissolved at the given temperature.

Multiply 0.15 by the volume of water to calculate the amount of sodium bicarbonate that should be used. For example, for 240ml of water, 36g (240 x 0.15) of the salt is needed.

Weigh the calculate amount of sodium bicarbonate on the scale.

Pour the water in the beaker and add the sodium bicarbonate weighed in Step 2.

Swirl the beaker for 5 minutes to dissolve the sodium bicarbonate. You can also use a spoon to mix the solution. Note that some salt should remain undissolved. It is normal and indicates the saturated solution.

Insert a regular coffee filter into a funnel and slowly pour the solution through to separate out the undissolved sodium bicarbonate. Ensure that the filtered saturated solution is collected into another jar.